Raw Banana Fry with coconut – raw plantain cubes flavoured with freshly grated coconut and green chilli – very flavourful and tasty. Vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely satisfying — this dish is proof that comfort can be deliciously uncomplicated!
Craving a side dish that’s crispy, aromatic, and authentically Andhra? Meet Aratikaya Kobbari Kura, also called Aratikaya Vepudu — a traditional raw banana fry tossed with fresh coconut and spices.
This humble dish transforms the everyday green banana into a golden, crunchy, and subtly spiced delicacy that pairs beautifully with steaming rice, dal, or sambar. If you love South Indian comfort food, this Andhra Aratikaya Kura recipe will instantly win a permanent spot in your weekly menu!
🥬 What is Aratikaya?
In Telugu, “Aratikaya” means raw or unripe banana (plantain). Unlike ripe bananas, raw bananas are starchy and hold their shape when cooked, making them ideal for curries, fries, and stir-fries in Andhra, Tamil, and Kerala cuisines.
💪 Health Benefits of Raw Banana
- Rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and gut health
- Contains resistant starch that supports blood sugar control
- Good source of potassium and vitamin C, boosting immunity
- Supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol
- Keeps you fuller for longer, helping with weight management
- Iron-rich plantains help fight anaemia.
Raw Banana Fry Recipe:
If you love South Indian dry curries, this Raw Banana Fry recipe—popularly known as Andhra Aratikaya Kobbari Kura—is a must-try! Made with tender raw banana (plantain), fragrant curry leaves, fresh grated coconut, and simple Andhra-style spices, this Andhra raw banana curry packs crispy texture and bold flavors in every bite.
This quick raw banana stir fry South Indian style is perfect for busy weekdays, pairs beautifully with hot rice and ghee, and brings the authentic taste of traditional Kobbari Kura Andhra style straight to your plate.
Plantain fry with spices and freshly grated coconut is an interesting combination. Lightly spiced, gluten-free & vegan – your South Indian lunch plate just found its new favorite! Raw Banana Stir Fry with Coconut is a simple and healthy dish that goes well plain rice and sambar.
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- To make Aratikaya Vepudu, firstly wash and peel the plantains and keep them immersed in water to prevent discolouration. Then cut the them into even cubes and pressure cook them on high heat for one whistle and switch off. Then drain the water and keep the boiled plantains aside.
- Meanwhile peel the onion and garlic and chop them finely. Wash the curry leaves.
- Then grind grated coconut and chilli to paste.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard, cumin, red chilli, urad and chana dal.
- When they start to splutter add the curry leaves, asafoetida, garlic and chopped onion. Fry till onions soften.
- Now add the cooked plantain cubes and mix well. Season with salt and turmeric and combine well.
- Next add the coconut-chilli paste and mix well.
- Cook covered for a couple more minutes till all the masalas are well absorbed. Stir in-between to keep the green plantains from sticking to the base of the pan.
- Finally top with chopped coriander leaves and remove.
- Serve Raw Banana Fry with Rice and Sambar or Rasam.
If you enjoy cooking with plantain, you’ll relish our Green Plantain Cutlets
🍽 Aratikaya Vepudu Serving Suggestions
- Best enjoyed with Andhra pappu (dal) and hot steamed rice
- Pairs beautifully with sambar or rasam for a complete South Indian meal
- Makes a great side for chapati or plain curd rice
🔄 Aratikaya Kura Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of garam masala or crushed black pepper
- Garlic Lovers: Fry sliced garlic with the tempering for extra aroma
- No Coconut: Skip coconut for a simpler Aratikaya Vepudu
- Sesame Twist: Sprinkle roasted sesame powder before serving
📝 Tips for Perfect Raw Banana Fry
- Always parboil raw bananas — it speeds up frying and prevents them from being too hard.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; let pieces crisp evenly.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet for a golden crust.
- Adjust spices according to your heat tolerance.
- Grated coconut should be fresh, not frozen, for best flavor.
💛 You Might Also Love
✨ Explore more flavorful South Indian-style fries and side dishes!
- 🍠 Karra Pendalam Fry – Crispy and golden Andhra-style tapioca fry with aromatic spices and coconut.
- 🥒 Spiny Gourd Fry – A crunchy and healthy stir-fry made with tender spiny gourd and simple seasonings.
- 🍗 Chicken Liver Fry – A spicy, protein-packed Andhra favorite bursting with bold flavors and rustic charm.
Plantain Thoran Recipe details below:
Raw Banana Fry Recipe – Andhra Aratikaya Kobbari Kura
Ingredients
- Plantain/raw banana - 2
- Onion – 1 medium
- Green chilli - 1
- Grated coconut - 3 tbsp
- Oil - 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp
- Cumin seeds – ¼ tsp
- Chana dal – ½ tsp
- Urad dal – ½ tsp
- Red Chilli – 1
- Curry leaves – 1 sprig
- Garlic – 4 cloves
- Asafoetida - a pinch
- Turmeric – ½ tsp
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- For this South Indian Raw Banana Fry, firstly wash, peel the raw bananas and cut into cubes. Put in salt water for 5 minutes. Drain and boil till cooked. Remove and keep aside.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic flakes. Wash and pick curry leaves.
- Grate coconut and grind to paste with green chilli.
- Heat oil in a frying pan. Toss in mustard seeds, allow to splutter and then put in cumin seeds.
- Add broken red chilli, urad dal, chana dal and stir for a minute.
- Add curry leaves, hing, chopped garlic and onions and sauté till onions turn soft.
- Add boiled plantain, stir, add salt and turmeric and toss well. Saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ground coconut-chilli paste and combine well. Cook covered on low flame for 4-5 minutes till the plantain cubes are well coated with the masalas.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and remove.
- Serve Raw Banana Fry with steamed rice and sambar.
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